Arrecife is the capital city of Lanzarote and has a population of around 40,000. As recently as two hundred years ago, there was only a small harbour here which belonged to the former capital, Teguise. Only during the last century did the town slowly begin to develop. Arrecife is made almost entirely of narrow, winding streets. Sights include: the "Castillo de San Gabriel" with an archaeological museum and the "Castillo de San José". The main business streets, "Calle Real" and "León y Castillo" are packed with shops and entertainment venues.

Tips for excursions

Trip round the north of the island

Tour from the harbour to Teguise, the former capital of Lanzarote. The trip continues towards Haria with a break in the Los Helechos restaurant. From Mirador del Río a fantastic panoramic view of the whole Chinjo Archipelago. Visit to the grottoes and caves of Jameos del Agua.

Timanfaya National Park

Lanzarote, island of volcanoes. Excursion with a local guide familiar with the island. In the national park a view of "dead" volcanoes, reminiscent of a bizarre moon landscape, which give an impression of the power of earlier eruptions. Then a break in El Islote de Hilario, location of the famous geysers. A ride on a dromedary through the volcanic landscape. The return trip takes in vineyards typical of the island.

Mountains of fire and south Lanzarote

Trip to Timanfaya national park with its bizarre craters, petrified lava flows and fields of ash. One of the particular attractions is a camel ride to the Montañas del Fuego (mountains of fire). The trip continues southwards to Los Hervideros, where seawater appears to be boiling in a volcanic cauldron. There follows a visit to the Janubio lagoon, where in recent centuries the island's largest salt lakes formed. On the way back, a stop in the beautiful little town of Yaiza, followed by a visit to the vineyard of La Geria with wine tasting.